stand to (attention)

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stand to (attention)

1. To be or become ready for an attack. We were all told to stand to after receiving word that the enemy was preparing to launch an offensive just before dawn.
2. To quickly assume military attention. You become trained to stand to attention when a superior officer enters the room. I quickly stood to, but the general told me to be at ease.
See also: stand, to
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

stand to

v.
To take up positions for military action: Upon hearing gunfire, the soldiers stood to.
See also: stand, to
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive ?
Every now and again a jewellery brand comes along that makes us stand to attention. Essentia specialises in delicate pieces, including gold and silver necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.
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SILVER ARROW NECKLACE, Every now and again a jewellery brand comes along that makes us stand to attention. Essentia specialise in delicate pieces, including gold and silver necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.
ESSENTIA-L JEWELLERY
STAND to attention as one of Britain's bestloved sitcoms has been recreated as a feature-length film.
WIN Dad's Army Blu-ray; DVD RELEASE; Films
Snoops, when you come into the Orderly Room stand to attention and don't get into such a flap.
First 'Dad's Army' script
Such is the stand to attention approach (or so it seems) of the 'Rural Protection of Wales' brigade.
Problem underlying need for pylons; LETTERS
| Stand to attention in this military-style style bomber (left).
worked and Sir barrier and Michael Kors this and Albert vintage McMULLEN
Stand to attention as combat boots make a comeback while classics get a chic revamp Win a PS100 shoes shop SEE PAGE 32
Step up the style stakes
Stand To Attention gave Deegan the biggest day of his career 12 months ago when landing tomorrow's valuable sales at Fairyhouse.
Absence makes the horses run faster - Deegan; HARVEST FESTIVAL DIARY
We get a ride, it's really great We are placed together by the door And stand to attention like before 'I now have a friend' Willie cried We have done it right, side by side - good night Neville!
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Stand to attention because soldier chic has returned to the fashion frontline once again this winter.
Military precision; March to the beat of the fashion drum with sharp, tailored, military pieces, writes Lydia Whitfield
WADWORTH SWORDFISH Stand to attention, the Swordfish has taken off.
WADWORTH SWORDFISH
"It's easy to see why so many members stand to attention when they catch a glimpse of Kate,'' News.com.au quoted Zoo editor Merrill, as saying.
Sexiest Oz female MP rejects 30k dlrs offer to strip for men's mag
HISTORY LESSON: Leah Vose, Chanel Pilkington, Aaron Finch and Jordan Darbyshire stand to attention, while Lewis Ryder, right, and Jordan, left, try on some World War Two headgear
THRILLED TO BLITZ
Around 300 elderly ex-servicemen in their famous bright red tunics and gold-edged black tricorn hats braved the blazing midday sun to stand to attention for the royal couple.
Charles and Camilla meet the Chelsea Pensioners
The utility trend may be huge on the catwalk this season but the TOWIE star fails to make us stand to attention with her khaki mini dress.
Who wears this week's trend well? MILITARY FASHION
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